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Walkin Dynamite

from Guitar And Drum by Stiff Little Fingers

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    "the best SLF in 20 years." - allmusic.com

    Since they reunited in 1990, Stiff Little Fingers have been releasing a new album every few years, and the discs seem to get lost in the constant glut of live reissues that pop up every six to 12 months. It's a shame, really, because the band is still very good and at times great. Signing to EMI in the U.K. was good for them, as it raised their profile a few notches. This, their second album on EMI, is actually better than their 1999 release, Hope Street, and should hopefully help the band reconnect with old fans while opening the doors for a whole new generation. Still as energetic as they've always been, Stiff Little Fingers remain true to their original sound, although the punk edge has been softened a bit (by age, perhaps?). Original SLF vocalist/guitarist Jake Burns still leads the pack, followed by former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton (a full-time SLF member for 15 years), guitarist/vocalist Ian McCallum, and drummer Steve Grantley. Burns handles most of the vocals and songwriting, but each of the members either has co-writing credit or sole writing credit on nearly half the album, adding a new dimension and depth to the band's sound. Burns shines with the harmony-laden "Dead Man Walking," the rocking yet still touching Joe Strummer tribute "Strummerville," the energetic "Best of Fools," and the anthemic title track. McCallum's two tracks, the soulful "Can't Get Away With That" and the reggae groove of "Be True to Yourself," are welcome additions to the SLF catalog. The distinctive guitar sound of the band fuels every song, with even more interplay than usual -- just listen to the first few bars of "Who Died and Made You Elvis" for proof. By the time the acoustic "Protect and Serve" finishes up the album, you'll be ready to hear it all again. They've released some fine albums over the last decade, but this is, hands down, the best SLF in 20 years.

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lyrics

No one knows exactly where he came from
It wassomewhere in arkansaw
grew up flat broke with no education
Had his run-ins with the law
His fists became his passport out of hell
When some guys saw he used them pretty well
They'd found something to sell

But Sonny tell me
when you were young you had to fight
Became the champion
And you were walkin' dynamite
prayed on their fears
though quite sincere
They wouldn't let you change
Oh can't you tell me?

flying back to philly in the morning
With the belt stashed in his bag
he talked of how the whole world would treat him better.
now he was the champ
Said he'd like to give a little break
But no-one listens toa despised black
except a well-worn hack

But Sonny tell me
when you were young you had to fight
Became the champion
And you were walkin' dynamite
prayed on their fears
though quite sincere
They wouldn't let you change
Oh can't you tell me?

Minds made up and ears closed against you
You just couldn't understand
You'd made them rich, yeah you'd entertained them.
You were still a hated man
It seemed like they had used you as their clown
But never let the bastards grind you down.

But Sonny tell me
when you were young you had to fight
Became the champion
And you were walkin' dynamite
prayed on their fears
though quite sincere
They wouldn't let you change
Oh can't you tell me?

But Sonny tell me
when you were young you had to fight
Became the champion
And you were walkin' dynamite
prayed on their fears
though quite sincere
They wouldn't let you change
Oh can't you tell me?

A man deserves his dignity
A man deserves his pride

credits

from Guitar And Drum, released May 20, 2014

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Kung Fu Records California

KUNG FU RECORDS was founded in 1996 by the bass player and guitarist for THE VANDALS The label soon grew to include releases by BLINK 182, THE ATARIS, TSUNAMI BOMB, BIGWIG, KENNETH KEITH KALLENBACH, AUDIO KARATE and THE VANDALS themselves.


Kung Fu Records, a Division Of Cleopatra Records, Inc.
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